Uncustomed Heroes of 2019: Brewers

Aside from Christian Yelich, this is quite an okay showing from a team that seemed so powerful in 2018. Good news is that by the end of the year, you could see the 2020 team beginning to form, with Keston Hiura and Adrian Houser getting more playing time, and Travis Shaw beginning to be phased out.

Shaw's fall was sad, after he'd seemed so in control of the team in the past few years, but after Yelich usurped that position, there was nothing left for Shaw to do but hit .157 and get demoted.
Why Him in 2019?: His demotion paved the way for the great Keston Hiura.
2020 Prediction: Will get signed...but as a backup.

 After the loss of Jhoulys Chacin, Adrian Houser proved to be a smart rotation asset, as he posted a 3.72 ERA, with 118 strikeouts, 84 of which came from starting.
Why Him in 2019?: Proof that the pitching well that gave Freddy Peralta and Corbin Burnes could also bring up someone competent as a starter
2020 Prediction: A maximized starting role, and a lot more peak innings in the wake of Davies' departure.

 After leaving the Brewers for the Bronx, only for that to not pan out, Gio Gonzalez came back to Milwaukee and returned to his old self, with a 3.50 ERA in 17 starts, and 78 strikeouts.
Why Him in 2019?: He was a veteran rotation presence that Jhoulys Chacin couldn't supply.
2020 Prediction: He'll be a solid 5th-starter somewhere. Perhaps Minnesota?

 2019 was a rocky season for Hernan Perez, who was DFA'd at one point only to stay with the team. After Hiura's injury, Perez got some appearances in the infield, and still pulled 18 RBIs.
Why Him in 2019?: Proved he could still be of use in a changing Brewers infield.
2020 Prediction: Will be a bench presence somewhere, potentially a postseason threat.

 Perhaps the biggest bench surprise on this team came from Ben Gamel, an outfield bat who'd come over from Seattle in a trade. Gamel hit .248 off the bench, with 7 homers and 33 RBIs.
Why Him in 2019?: Positive bench energy from a team with Travis Shaw, Cory Spangenberg and Hernan Perez all struggling in bench roles.
2020 Prediction: With Ryan Braun promising to play more at 1st, Gamel will get more outfield starts, and will have a more consistent, contact-friendly year.

 After Yelich got injured, the Brewers turned to Trent Grisham to fill his shoes. It was tricky, and Grisham had a very well-reported blunder in the outfield, but he still notched 24 RBIs in 51 games.
Why Him in 2019?: His time replacing Yelich may have been the factor that prevented the Brewers from going further into the playoffs.
2020 Prediction: Well, he just lost a lot of playing time to Tommy Pham, so he'll do what he can in a bench role in San Diego.

Perhaps the most impressive trade deadline move in retrospect was the Brewers' move to reunite with Jordan Lyles. As a reliever he gave them momentum in 2018, but as a starter? He gave them some rare rotation stability. In 11 starts, he had 7 wins and a 2.45 ERA, and 56 strikeouts. He also had the lowest WHIP of all the Milwaukee starters, with a 1.108.
Why Him in 2019?: Lyles outdid even his Pittsburgh numbers and proved he was for real as a starter.
2020 Prediction: Lyles might be a smart under-the-radar signing for anyone who needs pitching help. If Chicago or Anaheim lose the sweepstakes for Cole or Stras, they should nab him.

Coming Tomorrow- [loud sigh] The Cardinals team that edged out the Braves in the playoffs, only to get trounced upon by Washington.